Newk's Eatery Named Among NRN Top 200

JACKSON, Miss. - Aug. 2, 2016 // PRNewswire // - Newk's Eatery, the fast casual restaurant known for its culinary-driven menu and open kitchens, was named among the industry's most significant brands as part of NRN's Top 200 Chains. A newcomer to the list, the company also was recognized as the fifth-fastest-growing chain in the second 100.

NRN, the top trade publication serving the $782 billion food-service industry, conducts in-depth research to create the rankings and evaluate brands for systemwide food-service sales, chain growth and new store development. NRN Top 200 is used as a benchmarking tool throughout the restaurant industry to determine both brand and segment growth.

"Being included on this respected list is an honor and validation of the hard work invested by the entire Newk's team," said Newk's Chief Executive Officer Chris Newcomb. "We have aggressive growth plans to reach 200 locations by 2019, and we look forward to rising on the NRN list in the coming years."

The company experienced record growth in 2015, with a 27 percent increase in the number of restaurants. It opened 20 new restaurants, entered six new markets and signed eight new franchisees. It also rolled out a new store design, menu innovation and accessibility through online ordering, catering and Grab-n-Go offerings.

So far in 2016, Newk's has signed two six-unit franchise agreements with multi-unit operators in theAtlanta market and a 10-unit agreement in Northern Virginia. The company also announced its Central Florida expansion plans, which include two company-owned locations slated to open in Orlando later this year, as well as 10-12 corporate-owned restaurant openings over the next five years.

Now in its 12th year in business, Newk's remains steadfast in its commitment to quality, serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and California-style pizzas using fresh and flavorful ingredients, accompanied by a unique level of service and Southern hospitality.

For more information on Newk's and its franchise opportunities, visit www.newks.com/franchise.

About Newk's Eatery

Based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's Eatery is leading the next generation of fast casual with its culinary-driven menu prepared in Newk's open-view kitchens, featuring made-from-scratch soups, fresh tossed salads, artisan pizzas, hot toasted sandwiches and desserts. Founded in 2004, Newk's currently operates and franchises more than 100 units in 13 states and is gaining national attention for its accelerated growth and commitment to community. The newest Newk's restaurants feature a "Generation 2" design, presenting a fresh, on-trend look for the brand while maintaining the company's signature warmth and open-view kitchen. FastCasual.com named Newk's among its Top 50 "Movers and Shakers" in 2015 and 2016, while Franchise Times magazine ranked Newk's among its top "Fast and Serious" franchise brands for the second year in a row, and Technomic listed Newk's in its Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. Also recently, the brand was named among NRN's Top 200 and Top 5 Fastest-Growing Chains, along withRestaurant Business' Top 40 Fast-Casual Chains. For more information, visit Newks.com, join theRoundtable Club or follow Newk's on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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